“Shorebound boat, third challenge! Lay to, instantly!”
No attention being paid by the two paddlers, Ensign Darrin now gave the sharp order:
“Fire!”
That bullet must have whistled uncomfortably close to the fleeing craft, for on the instant both paddlers rose in the canoe.
“Fire!” commanded Ensign Dave, the second time.
At the sound of the marine’s shot both poised figures sprang overboard from the canoe.
“Shall I fire again, sir?” asked the marine, as the beam of the searchlight continued to play upon the waters where the divers had vanished.
“Not unless you see those men that jumped overboard from that canoe,” replied Ensign Darrin.
Though the searchlight continued to flash further across the water, nothing was seen of the men from the canoe. Indeed, at the distance, the rippling waves might easily conceal a swimmer.
“Pass the word for the boatswain’s mate!” Darrin ordered.